It isn't good. The A's have lost 13 of their past 16 games and are tied with the Texas Rangers for last place in the AL West. They were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend, losing, 11-0, on Sunday. Manager Art Howe conducted two team meetings in four days, which didn't help, and he suggested that significant changes might be necessary. Unfortunately for Howe, he can't reverse the free-agent departures of Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon and Jason Isringhausen. New closer Billy Koch has given up 11 earned runs in his past three appearances covering three innings. Oakland went 7-2 against the Orioles last year, winning the last seven games. It was the Orioles' worst season series record against the A's. They were outscored 21-10 while being swept in a three-game series in Oakland in early September. - (Athletics and O's stats, 5c)